Chapter 15

“Don’t take another step toward me, Rowan.” Arwen angrily pointed her magic stick at Rowan in defense. Rowan seemed more curious than anything… she took a step closer as if to test Arwen’s resolve. “I said…” “… don’t get any…” “Arwen, don’t!” “… CLOSER!!!” This time, Arwen felt the magic burst through her and then through the…

Chapter 14

On a warm autumn night, a still silence enveloped Sunset Valley. The full moon, rising into full view, bathed everything in a preternatural glow. Arwen couldn’t sleep and she decided to go out for a walk. She found herself at the cemetary, picking flowers. She paused to inhale the fresh autumn air. It was so…

Chapter 13

Arwen tossed and turned all night… Should she give Hank another chance? Maybe she’d been paranoid after all… He had said he’d call her as soon as he was back in town and, as far as she could tell, that was exactly what he had done. The next day, at 9 sharp, Hank knocked on…

Chapter 12

“Hank?” Arwen hollered from across the park. He didn’t hear her and was looking skyward with a slight pout. A late August thunderstorm was building up. Arwen called him again, running toward him and this time Hank turned around as a few fat raindrops started to fall all around them. The gloomy light shone in…

Chapter 11

“Hey, Arwen! Sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner… I got a last minute gig in Bridgeport and I’ve pretty much been working nights and sleeping days. Anyway… If you still want to hang out, I’ll be at the Summer Festival tonight on the little bridge over the ponds around 8… Ciao, bella!” Arwen…

Chapter 10

The days that followed were less glamourous. For one thing, Arwen woke up famished and hung over, and not for the first time. She knew the cure though: a heavy, greasy breakfast. Like her specialty, bacon grease & bacon bit waffles. While the waffles were getting a tan in the oven, Arwen mused about last…

Chapter 9

Fiona parked her SUV at Mick’s Master Karaoke Bar. As they approached the entrance, Arwen spied someone familiar. She was about to say hello when the “Sell ‘n’ Swap cashier” picked up the karaoke microphone and belted out a song. Such strong pipes on a skinny, “goth” girl! She sang ‘Freak Like Me’, by Halestorm.…

Chapter 8

A pretty blonde was looking right at Arwen, waiting for a reply. Pulling out her cell phone, Arwen replied. “Uh, it’s 7:30…” The stranger then extended her hand to her. “Sorry, I’m being rude. I’m Fiona… and I’ve been stood up by my date.” She explained with a sarcastic, self-deprecating smirk. “What a loser. I…

Chapter 7

She rode over hills, around curves in the road, past houses and businesses and then fields. In a neighbouring town’s discount retail store, Arwen purchased a plastic pail and a gallon of dish soap so she could finally wash the dirty dishes piling up in her home. The young woman also found a very inexpensive old…

Chapter 6

Arwen dropped the package next to the garbage can, convinced this was some kind of junk mail. Something rattled lightly as the box settled on the ground. She took a long hot shower and put on her pajamas.  She hung her silk blouse so it wouldn’t wrinkle and looked at her reflection in the mirror.…